White House calls off Easter Egg Roll over coronavirus concern

The White House said Monday it has canceled this year's Easter Egg Roll amid the spread of coronavirus across the country.

"The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority, especially right now," first lady Melania Trump said in a statement, announcing the cancellation of the April 13 event.

"I deeply regret this cancellation, but we need to make difficult decisions in the short-term to ensure a healthy country for the long-term," she said.

The CDC issued guidance Sunday recommending gatherings of more than 50 people be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks.

The White House Easter Egg Roll, which dates back to 1878, is free to the public with tickets allocated by lottery in advance. This year's egg roll would have been the 142nd.

(CGTN)